Effortless English Podcasts
Effortless English Learning
What NOT to Talk About in English Small Talk.
Alison: Hi everyone, welcome back to Effortless English Podcasts.
Alison: I am Alison.
Will: And I am Will.
Alison: You are listening to the Effortless English Learning series.
Will: Where we explore real-life English for everyday situations.
Alison: Before we dive in, remember to subscribe to our channel.
Will: And turn on the CC subtitles if you need them.
Alison: We have subtitles in many languages to help you follow along.
Will: So make sure you have them ready if you want extra support.
Alison: Alright, today’s topic is all about tricky conversations.
Will: Yes, it is about topics you should avoid when chatting with others.
Alison: This happens a lot, especially when you meet someone new.
Will: Right, sometimes you say something and you can feel the room freeze.
Alison: Like that time when I asked a guy about his job and he just smiled awkwardly.
Will: Oh, I know that feeling too well.
Will: One time I asked a friend about their age...
Will: And the silence that followed could have broken glass.
Alison: Yes, some things are just better left unsaid.
Will: Especially if you want the conversation to stay friendly and fun.
Alison: So today, we will talk about what topics to avoid.
Will: And we will also show you the differences between the U.S. and the U.K.
Alison: You will learn some handy phrases to move the talk in a better way.
Will: Plus, we will share some funny stories from our own experiences.
Alison: Because trust me, we have had some very awkward moments!
Will: Oh yes, you do not want to miss those.
Alison: By the end of this episode, you will know how to keep a chat smooth and easy.
Will: And you will sound more natural whether you are speaking to an American or a Brit.
Alison: So grab your coffee or tea, and let’s get started!
Alison: So, why do we need to avoid some topics when we chat?
Will: Well, one big reason is culture.
Alison: Yes, what is fine to ask in one place might be rude somewhere else.
Will: For example, in some cultures, asking about someone’s salary is normal.
Alison: But in the U.S., talking about money can make people very uncomfortable.
Will: It is seen as very private and sometimes even bad manners.
Alison: Right, and personal background matters too.
Will: People have different beliefs, values, and experiences.
Alison: A topic that feels normal to you might be very sensitive for someone else.
Will: Like asking about religion at a casual party.
Alison: Or talking politics at a family dinner!
Will: These topics can start arguments fast.
Alison: And that is not what you want when you are just trying to make friends.
Will: Exactly, the goal of chatting is to build a connection.
Alison: If someone feels hurt or judged, that connection breaks.
Will: Also, people remember how you make them feel more than what you say.
Alison: So even if you do not mean harm, the wrong topic can leave a bad memory.
Will: That is why it is better to keep talks light and easy, at least at first.
Alison: Yes, deep talks can come later, once trust is built.
Will: Let’s look at a quick example.
Alison: Imagine you meet someone new and the first thing you ask is, "How much do you earn?"
Will: That person will likely feel shocked or even insulted.
Alison: Now, if you ask, "What do you like to do on weekends?"
Will: That is much safer and invites a happy, relaxed talk.
Alison: Here is another case.
Will: Suppose you dive into politics right away.
Alison: Even if you agree, it can still make people tense.
Will: It is better to find common ground with topics like hobbies, food, or travel.
Alison: Yes, start with simple things everyone enjoys.
Will: Once the chat flows, you can slowly move to deeper topics if it feels right.
Alison: Think of a conversation like a garden.
Will: You need to plant seeds of trust before picking the big fruits.
Alison: I love that picture!
Will: Me too, it helps me remember to be patient.
Alison: So next time you meet someone, think before you bring up a risky topic.
Will: A little care at the start can save you a lot of trouble later.
Alison: And it will make your English conversations much smoother too.
Will: Trust us, we have learned this the hard way.
Alison: But that is a story for another part of today’s show!
Will: Stay with us, because next we will talk about what Americans usually avoid.
Alison: Now, let’s talk about what topics people avoid in the U.S.
Will: This is very important if you want to sound natural in America.
Alison: First, money is a big no-no in most talks.
Will: Asking about how much someone makes or spends is very rude.
Alison: Even if you are just curious, it is seen as too personal.
Will: Another sensitive topic is politics.
Alison: People have strong feelings about political issues.
Will: A small talk can turn into a heated fight very fast.
Alison: So most people stay away from political talks, especially with strangers.
Will: Religion is also a careful topic.
Alison: Asking about someone’s faith can make them feel judged.
Will: Or it can lead to uncomfortable debates.
Alison: In short, money, politics, and religion are the big three to avoid.
Will: Now, what do you do if someone brings up one of these topics?
Alison: Americans often use simple phrases to steer the talk away.
Will: One common line is, "Oh, that’s interesting! By the way..."
Alison: Then you quickly jump to a safer topic, like food or weekend plans.
Will: Another line you might hear is, "Let’s save that for another time!"
Alison: This sounds polite but makes it clear you do not want to dive in now.
Will: Or you can simply laugh and say, "That’s above my pay grade!"
Alison: That phrase means it is too serious or complicated for you to discuss.
Will: Let’s give a real example.
Alison: Imagine someone asks, "What do you think about the election?"
Will: You can reply, "Oh, that’s interesting! By the way, have you tried the new cafe down the street?"
Alison: Quick, smooth, and no one gets hurt.
Will: Here’s another case.
Alison: Someone asks, "What church do you go to?"
Will: You can smile and say, "That’s a deep one! Hey, did you watch the game last night?"
Alison: This keeps things light and friendly.
Will: Americans value comfort and easy talks, especially early on.
Alison: So these small tricks can help you a lot.
Will: Remember, the goal is to build trust, not to win a debate.
Alison: Save the deep talks for close friends and family.
Will: In casual chats, light and happy is the way to go.
Alison: And knowing these little tricks makes your English sound much more natural.
Will: Plus, you will avoid a lot of awkward moments!
Alison: Trust me, I have had my share of those when I first moved to the States.
Will: Me too, even in the U.K., but that is another story.
Alison: Now that we know how Americans handle it,
Will: Next, let’s see how things are a bit different in the U.K.!
Will: Now let’s move across the pond and see how things work in the U.K.
Alison: I love hearing about British ways of chatting.
Will: Well, one thing you should know is that Brits are very private people.
Alison: Yes, asking about money is a big no there too, right?
Will: Absolutely, asking about someone’s salary or spending is very bad form.
Alison: And what about personal life questions?
Will: Those are tricky too.
Will: Asking deep questions about someone's family, love life, or plans can seem rude.
Alison: So if you meet someone in the U.K., stick to safe topics first.
Will: Exactly, things like the weather, hobbies, or even traffic are good choices.
Alison: I have heard that Brits also dislike too much self-praise.
Will: Very true, bragging is seen as bad taste.
Alison: Even if you are very proud, it is better to stay modest.
Will: Right, people like a little self-joke rather than big bold claims.
Alison: So if someone just won a prize, they might say, "Oh, I just got lucky."
Will: Instead of, "I’m the best!" which would sound strange.
Alison: Now, what do Brits do when a sensitive topic comes up?
Will: They are masters at soft, polite dodging.
Alison: Sounds fun! Give us some examples.
Will: One common phrase is, "Oh, that’s a tricky one!"
Alison: This shows you know the topic is deep but you are stepping away gently.
Will: Another line is, "I think that’s above my pay grade!"
Alison: Same as Americans use sometimes.
Will: Yes, but with a slightly more dry humor.
Alison: What about changing the topic?
Will: A favorite trick is to say, "Speaking of which..."
Will: Then link to something totally different but lightly related.
Alison: Like if someone asks about your salary, you could say, "Speaking of numbers, did you see the game score last night?"
Will: Brilliant move, very smooth!
Alison: Or if someone dives too deep into personal life, you could say, "Oh, life’s full of surprises, isn’t it?"
Will: And then laugh and move on to talk about something neutral.
Alison: I love how polite and clever these ways are.
Will: Yes, it keeps the mood light without hurting feelings.
Alison: So next time you chat with a Brit, remember to keep it soft and easy.
Will: And if you need to dodge a tough one, now you know how.
Alison: These small tricks make a big difference in real talks.
Will: You sound more natural and you build better connections.
Alison: Plus, you avoid those heavy, awkward moments we all fear.
Will: Trust me, even I have slipped before and learned it the hard way.
Alison: Same here!
Will: But a little practice makes it much easier over time.
Alison: Now that we have covered the U.K. side,
Will: Next, let’s talk about common mistakes people make when chatting!
Alison: Now let’s talk about common mistakes people make when chatting.
Will: Yes, because even when you mean well, it’s easy to slip up.
Alison: One big mistake is being too direct about private matters.
Will: For example, asking someone you just met, "Are you married?"
Alison: Or, "How much do you make at your job?"
Will: These questions can make people feel uncomfortable very fast.
Alison: Even if you are just curious, it feels like crossing a line.
Will: In English-speaking cultures, privacy is very important.
Alison: People like to choose when and how much they share.
Will: So instead of asking private questions, focus on safe topics.
Alison: You can ask, "What do you like to do in your free time?"
Will: Or, "Have you been to any good restaurants lately?"
Alison: These questions are open and friendly.
Will: They give the other person a chance to share what they want.
Alison: Another common mistake is interrupting or jumping into sensitive talks.
Will: Sometimes, people get excited and cut in while others are speaking.
Alison: This can seem rude, even if you do not mean to be.
Will: In English culture, it’s polite to let someone finish before you speak.
Alison: Also, when a sensitive topic comes up, it’s best not to dig deeper.
Will: If someone mentions a hard time, do not ask for all the details.
Alison: Instead, show you care without pushing.
Will: You can say, "I’m sorry to hear that," and then move the talk forward.
Alison: If you are not sure, follow the other person’s lead.
Will: If they want to share more, they will.
Alison: If not, give them space.
Will: So, how can you avoid these mistakes?
Alison: First, think before you ask.
Will: Ask yourself, "Would I feel okay if someone asked me this?"
Alison: If the answer is no, better skip the question.
Will: Second, listen more than you talk.
Alison: Listening shows respect and makes the talk more balanced.
Will: Third, learn to read body language.
Alison: If someone looks tense or answers very short, it’s a sign to change the topic.
Will: Fourth, have a few safe topics ready in your mind.
Alison: Like hobbies, movies, pets, or recent travels.
Will: These topics are easy for most people to enjoy.
Alison: Fifth, be ready to laugh off small awkward moments.
Will: If you realize you asked a bad question, smile and move on.
Alison: You can say, "Oops, sorry, I did not mean to get too personal!"
Will: A little humor can save the moment.
Alison: And remember, practice makes better.
Will: The more you talk with different people, the more natural it will feel.
Alison: We all make mistakes sometimes, and that’s okay.
Will: What matters is how you handle them.
Alison: So, stay calm, stay kind, and keep learning.
Will: That’s the true secret to great conversations.
Alison: Next, we are going to share some of our own funny or awkward stories!
Will: Trust me, you will not want to miss these.
Alison: Now it is story time!
Will: Oh yes, time to hear about some of our own awkward moments.
Alison: I will go first.
Will: Go ahead, Alison.
Alison: When I first moved to the U.S., I was very open with people.
Alison: I thought asking personal questions showed care.
Will: A very common idea in some cultures.
Alison: Yes, but it backfired one time at a school event.
Alison: I asked a mother, "How much does your husband make?"
Will: Oh no, Alison!
Alison: Yes, she smiled, but her eyes said, "Why would you ask that?"
Will: I can almost see the awkward silence that followed.
Alison: It felt like the longest five seconds of my life.
Will: What did you do next?
Alison: I quickly laughed and said, "Sorry, I am still learning American ways!"
Will: Good save!
Alison: After that, I learned to stick to safer topics like sports or school activities.
Will: A smart move, and a lesson you will never forget.
Alison: Definitely not!
Will: Now, it is my turn to share.
Alison: I cannot wait to hear yours.
Will: When I was new in the U.K., I loved to crack jokes to break the ice.
Alison: That sounds like you!
Will: One day, I joked with a co-worker, "You must be rich with all your overtime!"
Alison: Oh no, I see where this is going.
Will: He gave me a very cold look and said, "I work because I have to."
Alison: Ouch, that must have been painful.
Will: It was, and I felt so bad.
Alison: What did you do to fix it?
Will: I apologized and said, "Sorry, I was only teasing, I did not mean to be rude."
Alison: A good, honest way to handle it.
Will: After that, I learned that in Britain, teasing about money is risky.
Alison: Even if you mean it as a joke.
Will: Exactly, humor is fine, but you need to know where the lines are.
Alison: So, what is the big lesson from both our stories?
Will: Always be careful when talking about money or private matters.
Alison: And when in doubt, choose safe and happy topics.
Will: Also, if you make a mistake, own it and apologize politely.
Alison: People usually forgive you if they see you are sincere.
Will: And a little humility goes a long way.
Alison: These lessons helped me become better at small talk.
Will: And they made me more aware of cultural differences too.
Alison: Which is so important when you are learning a new language.
Will: Yes, language is not just words.
Alison: It is feelings, culture, and respect all mixed together.
Will: Well said, Alison!
Alison: Thanks, Will!
Will: Now that you know our embarrassing stories,
Alison: Let’s move on to some practical tips for better chats!
Alison: Now, let’s talk about how to smoothly change the topic if you need to.
Will: Yes, because sometimes you feel a chat is getting too heavy or awkward.
Alison: One easy way is using phrases like, "Speaking of..."
Will: For example, if someone talks about work and you want to change, you can say,
Will: "Speaking of busy days, have you watched any good movies lately?"
Alison: This links the old topic to a new, lighter one.
Will: It feels natural and polite.
Alison: Another good phrase is, "By the way..."
Will: You can use it to bring up something totally different.
Alison: Like, "By the way, did you hear about the new cafe downtown?"
Will: This moves the talk without sounding rude.
Alison: If you want to avoid a sensitive topic, you can also say,
Alison: "That’s an interesting thought. Let’s talk about that another time."
Will: This way, you show respect but set a boundary.
Alison: It works well when politics, religion, or money come up.
Will: Here’s another handy line, "I’m not sure about that, but..."
Alison: Then quickly bring up a safer subject.
Will: For example, "I’m not sure about that, but I heard the weather will be nice this weekend!"
Alison: People often welcome a happy topic like weather or fun plans.
Will: Now, when should you use these phrases?
Alison: Use them when you feel the mood getting tense.
Will: Or when you sense someone is uncomfortable.
Alison: Also, when you know a topic could lead to strong opinions.
Will: Like politics at a family party!
Alison: Yes, it is better to keep the peace than win a debate.
Will: Let’s show a quick role-play.
Alison: Sure, you ask a tricky question.
Will: "What do you think about the election results?"
Alison: "Oh, that’s a tricky one! Speaking of changes, have you tried the new app everyone is talking about?"
Will: Perfect move!
Alison: It sounds friendly and keeps things light.
Will: Here’s another one.
Alison: Go ahead.
Will: "So, how much do you pay for your house?"
Alison: "Haha, that’s above my pay grade! By the way, I saw a funny movie last night."
Will: Smooth and polite again.
Alison: Practicing these lines makes you more confident.
Will: And it shows you know how to handle tricky talks.
Alison: It also makes you sound more natural in English.
Will: Remember, the goal is to keep conversations happy and easy.
Alison: And a little humor always helps.
Will: So next time you feel stuck, you know what to say!
Alison: Try it out and see how well it works.
Will: Coming up, we will wrap up with a quick review and a special invite for you!
Alison: Alright, let’s wrap up today’s talk.
Will: We covered a lot of ground about tricky conversations.
Alison: First, we learned why some topics are better avoided.
Will: Culture, background, and personal feelings all play a big role.
Alison: Then, we looked at what topics to stay away from in the U.S.
Will: Money, politics, and religion are the top three.
Alison: We also explored how Brits handle these talks differently.
Will: In Britain, privacy, modesty, and careful humor are key.
Alison: We shared some common mistakes people make during chats.
Will: Like being too direct or pushing too deep into personal matters.
Alison: And we gave real tips on how to avoid these errors.
Will: Simple changes in your questions can make a big difference.
Alison: We even shared some of our own funny and awkward stories.
Will: Yes, because mistakes are part of the learning journey!
Alison: Plus, we gave you helpful phrases to steer away from bad topics.
Will: Like using "Speaking of..." or "By the way..."
Alison: These small tools make a big difference in real conversations.
Will: We hope today’s episode helps you feel more ready to chat in English.
Alison: And more confident when meeting new people from different cultures.
Will: Now, we would love to hear from you!
Alison: Have you ever had an awkward moment during a chat?
Will: Or do you have a smart trick to move a talk to safer ground?
Alison: Please share your story in the comment section below!
Will: We read all your comments and enjoy hearing your experiences.
Alison: Your stories help us learn and laugh together.
Will: Plus, your questions could inspire future topics.
Alison: So do not be shy, write to us after this episode.
Will: Also, if you found today’s lesson helpful, please subscribe to our channel.
Alison: That way, you won’t miss any of our future lessons.
Will: And remember to turn on the CC subtitles if you need them.
Alison: They are available in many languages to help you follow along.
Will: Thanks so much for joining us today!
Alison: We had a great time chatting with you.
Will: Keep practicing, stay curious, and keep your talks light and kind.
Alison: And we will see you next time on Effortless English Podcasts.
Will: Bye for now!
Alison: Bye everyone!
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